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England’s final squad announcement has once again sparked debate around the players who missed out. While Steve Borthwick continues to reshape the national side with a blend of experienced leaders and fast-rising prospects, several standout performers remain on the outside looking in. Many of them are in exceptional club form, others returning from injury, yet could make a compelling case for selection as the season unfolds.
Here are five players who could yet play a major role in England's plans for 2026.
Gabriel Ibitoye is playing some of the best rugby of his career. A devastating runner, elite finisher and one-man line-break machine, his performances this season have reminded everyone why he once dominated England age-group rugby.
But yes, Injury has robbed English fans of an incredibly talented winger, who has suffered a ‘complex hamstring injury, after round one of the Premiership
The Bristol Bears Winger has incredible acceleration and footwork make him a constant threat from turnover ball or wide channels, and he brings the kind of individuality that few wingers in Europe possess.
If he can return to his level after last season’s impressive try scoring fest, it’s hard to imagine England leaving him on the sidelines much longer. Ibitoye is one of the must-watch players for 2026, and a serious contender for a recall.
Few players in the Premiership can score tries like Adam Radwan. His pace is electric, his finishing instinct is world-class, and his highlight reel tries are already part of modern English rugby folklore.
Despite limited opportunities in the national shirt so far, Radwan continues to rack up tries with consistency. His combination of top-end speed, footwork and work rate make him one of the most exciting attacking threats available. Like Ibitoye, he is a key player to watch this season, particularly if England find themselves needing explosive X-factor on the wing.
Polite reminder, there’s no Tom Willis and the Pom squad is alive and kicking. Ted Hill can be considered unlucky after suffering an injury vs Sale Sharks in October, just before the Autumn Internationals. However, England are continuously looking for a modern blindside flanker, with the size and power, an incredible workload in defense and shows dominance in contact.
Hill has regularly performed at a standard that suggests he should be a long-term England option. The Bath Flanker came into the England set up in 2018, with 5 caps to his name. If he continues on his current trajectory and regains last season's form, he’s one of the players who could come roaring back into consideration by the Six Nations.
While hooker is not England’s weakest position, Gabirel Oghre has been consistently exceptional in his start to the 2025/2026 season for Bristol Bears. After an impressive debut vs the USA, scoring a try in the process in Washington DC.
Strong at the set-piece, dynamic in the loose and one of the most reliable Premiership forwards for work rate and consistency, Oghre has done enough to deserve more looks at the international level.
If England needs depth, he is an experienced, proven option who could step in for the near future.
After his summer return to Saracens and a cameo appearance for the British and Irish Lions, former England captain Owen Farrell has been set the challenge of working his way back into the England National team, ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
England and Owen Farrell seems inevitable, this specific story deserves a Lionel Messi - Eque ending in Australia in 2027, whilst the 6 nations may end up showing if the 10 or 12 shirt is up for contention.
Drop Goals, Leadership, Standard Raiser and Elite competitor. Patience is a virtue.
England’s recent squads show that Borthwick is building long-term foundations – but the door is far from closed for late additions. All five players here offer something England can always use more of:
Out-and-out pace and finishing power (Ibitoye, Radwan)
Physicality and Test-match intensity (Hill)
Versatility, leadership and professionalism (Farrell)
Reliable forward depth (Oghre)
Form speaks loudly in professional rugby, unfortunately injured players are left to think ‘what if?’ and if these players continue at their current level, they could force their way into England’s plans sooner rather than later.